Tofino mayor Dan Law is praising the B次元官网网址減rofessional and organizedB次元官网网址� manner the districtB次元官网网址檚 public works and emergency crews responded to significant flooding last week and is urging residents to be prepared for another round of storms expected to arrive this week.
B次元官网网址淭hat was the most flooding, certainly, that IB次元官网网址檝e experienced,B次元官网网址� Law told the Westerly B次元官网网址, adding heB次元官网网址檚 lived in the community for over 20 years. B次元官网网址淭here was a significant rainfall record broken that day (Nov. 25) and that materialized in numerous floodsB次元官网网址ne of the unique things too was the very short period of time that the rain fell. In Tofino, we get a lot of rain. ItB次元官网网址檚 not uncommon for Tofino to get over 200 millimetres in a weekend, but in such a short period of time it didnB次元官网网址檛 allow the water to run off quickly, so it just accumulated and accumulated and then overflowed and flooded.B次元官网网址�
He noted the districtB次元官网网址檚 public works crew responded in full force and the emergency operations centre was activated.
B次元官网网址淧eople were in full swing dealing with the emergency in an exemplary manner,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 was very proud of the whole crewB次元官网网址�.They did an exceptional job.B次元官网网址�
He added the emergency operations centre is anticipating being called upon again as a stronger storm is expected to arrive on Tuesday.
B次元官网网址淭his is uncharted territory, thatB次元官网网址檚 a little bit cliche, but we have been warned that wet areas will get wetter, storms will get stronger and that is what weB次元官网网址檙e seeing. So, we do have to take heed and be responsible and prepare accordingly,B次元官网网址� Law said.
He added residents in low lying areas should be prepared, adding sandbags are available at the districtB次元官网网址檚 public works yard and information is available through the districtB次元官网网址檚 social media channels.
B次元官网网址淧eople who experienced near flooding or flooding on Thursday should look at the weather and understand that this may happen again or it may be worse,B次元官网网址� he said.
TofinoB次元官网网址檚 Emergency Program Coordinator Keith Orchiston noted the district received a $150,000 grant for a flood mapping project in 2018.
B次元官网网址淭hese maps, along with the existing emergency preparedness plans have provided the District with essential knowledge to plan, mitigate and respond to flooding,B次元官网网址� Orchiston said through a Nov. 26 media release. B次元官网网址淓mergency preparedness is a shared responsibility that begins in every home, in every business, and across all levels of government. By preparing for the worst, we can expect the best response to protect and help our community.B次元官网网址�
With more heavy rains on the way, some BC communities may be asked to evacuate due to flooding or landslides. If you live in southwest BC in an area at risk of flooding or slide activity:
B次元官网网址� BC Government B次元官网网址 (@BCGovB次元官网网址)
B次元官网网址� Stay informed on your local government's emergency response (1/2)
Anyone who spots a flooded area or potential hazard is urged to report their sighting to the Emergency Public Works phone at
Residents are also encouraged to get prepared by visiting and creating an emergency plan for their household including grab and go kits.
B次元官网网址淭he DistrictB次元官网网址檚 Emergency Operations Centre, District staff, Council and I are committed to emergency preparedness throughout the incoming storms over the next week,B次元官网网址� Tofino mayor Dan Law said through the release. B次元官网网址淩esidents and visitors are reminded to monitor Environment Canada advisories, reduce unnecessary travel on roadways during storms, and to exercise extreme caution when encountering any moving water or flooding. Keeping our roadways and public access points clear and accessible for emergency and maintenance vehicles allows hazards to be addressed quickly and efficiently, which can save lives and prevent damage to property.B次元官网网址�
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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